It was late 2016 when I decided I wanted another cat. I had recently gone to a kitten petting event hosted by MEOW Cat Rescue of Kirkland, and thought getting a younger cat sounded like a good change of pace from the adult pets I have experienced in the past. I made the trek from Seattle to Kirkland, was led into a room to "meet" with prospective rescues, and the first one I met was Apollo. At ten years old he was not the kitten I had imagined getting, but it was love at first sight all the same. "How much," I asked reception soon after. "All of the adoptions fees have already been covered actually, so he's free!" I made a small donation anyway, and took my new companion home.

Apollo was very sweet, but took some adjusting. Even more so because he was adopted with some "known issues" and required a tooth extraction within weeks of settling into his new home. I don't think the oral prescriptions did much to endear him to me in those first couple of months, but I took my time as he acclimated to the new environment. He was not destined to be a lap cat, but he always found a way to be nearby, just outside of the center of attention. I spent a lot of my time at home with him in my orbit, and he spent a lot of time finding the most comfortable possible place within petting distance of me.

We only had nine years together, but I hope Apollo found a fulfilling retirement. He helped me get up in the morning and he was there when I went to bed. He made sure I learned how to love on his terms, meeting him where he was. He gave me so much needed companionship during a global pandemic. Cats will spread out and fill up all of the available space, including in your heart.